AU2005206679B2 - Knife and cutting wheel for a food product slicing apparatus - Google Patents
Knife and cutting wheel for a food product slicing apparatus Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- AU2005206679B2 AU2005206679B2 AU2005206679A AU2005206679A AU2005206679B2 AU 2005206679 B2 AU2005206679 B2 AU 2005206679B2 AU 2005206679 A AU2005206679 A AU 2005206679A AU 2005206679 A AU2005206679 A AU 2005206679A AU 2005206679 B2 AU2005206679 B2 AU 2005206679B2
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- AU
- Australia
- Prior art keywords
- knife holder
- knife
- leading
- insert member
- cutting
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B26—HAND CUTTING TOOLS; CUTTING; SEVERING
- B26D—CUTTING; DETAILS COMMON TO MACHINES FOR PERFORATING, PUNCHING, CUTTING-OUT, STAMPING-OUT OR SEVERING
- B26D1/00—Cutting through work characterised by the nature or movement of the cutting member or particular materials not otherwise provided for; Apparatus or machines therefor; Cutting members therefor
- B26D1/01—Cutting through work characterised by the nature or movement of the cutting member or particular materials not otherwise provided for; Apparatus or machines therefor; Cutting members therefor involving a cutting member which does not travel with the work
- B26D1/12—Cutting through work characterised by the nature or movement of the cutting member or particular materials not otherwise provided for; Apparatus or machines therefor; Cutting members therefor involving a cutting member which does not travel with the work having a cutting member moving about an axis
- B26D1/25—Cutting through work characterised by the nature or movement of the cutting member or particular materials not otherwise provided for; Apparatus or machines therefor; Cutting members therefor involving a cutting member which does not travel with the work having a cutting member moving about an axis with a non-circular cutting member
- B26D1/26—Cutting through work characterised by the nature or movement of the cutting member or particular materials not otherwise provided for; Apparatus or machines therefor; Cutting members therefor involving a cutting member which does not travel with the work having a cutting member moving about an axis with a non-circular cutting member moving about an axis substantially perpendicular to the line of cut
- B26D1/28—Cutting through work characterised by the nature or movement of the cutting member or particular materials not otherwise provided for; Apparatus or machines therefor; Cutting members therefor involving a cutting member which does not travel with the work having a cutting member moving about an axis with a non-circular cutting member moving about an axis substantially perpendicular to the line of cut and rotating continuously in one direction during cutting
- B26D1/29—Cutting through work characterised by the nature or movement of the cutting member or particular materials not otherwise provided for; Apparatus or machines therefor; Cutting members therefor involving a cutting member which does not travel with the work having a cutting member moving about an axis with a non-circular cutting member moving about an axis substantially perpendicular to the line of cut and rotating continuously in one direction during cutting with cutting member mounted in the plane of a rotating disc, e.g. for slicing beans
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B26—HAND CUTTING TOOLS; CUTTING; SEVERING
- B26D—CUTTING; DETAILS COMMON TO MACHINES FOR PERFORATING, PUNCHING, CUTTING-OUT, STAMPING-OUT OR SEVERING
- B26D1/00—Cutting through work characterised by the nature or movement of the cutting member or particular materials not otherwise provided for; Apparatus or machines therefor; Cutting members therefor
- B26D1/0006—Cutting members therefor
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B26—HAND CUTTING TOOLS; CUTTING; SEVERING
- B26D—CUTTING; DETAILS COMMON TO MACHINES FOR PERFORATING, PUNCHING, CUTTING-OUT, STAMPING-OUT OR SEVERING
- B26D1/00—Cutting through work characterised by the nature or movement of the cutting member or particular materials not otherwise provided for; Apparatus or machines therefor; Cutting members therefor
- B26D1/0006—Cutting members therefor
- B26D2001/0033—Cutting members therefor assembled from multiple blades
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B26—HAND CUTTING TOOLS; CUTTING; SEVERING
- B26D—CUTTING; DETAILS COMMON TO MACHINES FOR PERFORATING, PUNCHING, CUTTING-OUT, STAMPING-OUT OR SEVERING
- B26D1/00—Cutting through work characterised by the nature or movement of the cutting member or particular materials not otherwise provided for; Apparatus or machines therefor; Cutting members therefor
- B26D1/0006—Cutting members therefor
- B26D2001/0046—Cutting members therefor rotating continuously about an axis perpendicular to the edge
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B26—HAND CUTTING TOOLS; CUTTING; SEVERING
- B26D—CUTTING; DETAILS COMMON TO MACHINES FOR PERFORATING, PUNCHING, CUTTING-OUT, STAMPING-OUT OR SEVERING
- B26D1/00—Cutting through work characterised by the nature or movement of the cutting member or particular materials not otherwise provided for; Apparatus or machines therefor; Cutting members therefor
- B26D1/0006—Cutting members therefor
- B26D2001/006—Cutting members therefor the cutting blade having a special shape, e.g. a special outline, serrations
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B26—HAND CUTTING TOOLS; CUTTING; SEVERING
- B26D—CUTTING; DETAILS COMMON TO MACHINES FOR PERFORATING, PUNCHING, CUTTING-OUT, STAMPING-OUT OR SEVERING
- B26D7/00—Details of apparatus for cutting, cutting-out, stamping-out, punching, perforating, or severing by means other than cutting
- B26D7/26—Means for mounting or adjusting the cutting member; Means for adjusting the stroke of the cutting member
- B26D7/2614—Means for mounting the cutting member
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10S—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10S83/00—Cutting
- Y10S83/929—Particular nature of work or product
- Y10S83/932—Edible
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T83/00—Cutting
- Y10T83/869—Means to drive or to guide tool
- Y10T83/8789—With simple revolving motion only
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T83/00—Cutting
- Y10T83/929—Tool or tool with support
- Y10T83/9372—Rotatable type
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T83/00—Cutting
- Y10T83/929—Tool or tool with support
- Y10T83/9372—Rotatable type
- Y10T83/9377—Mounting of tool about rod-type shaft
- Y10T83/9379—At end of shaft
Landscapes
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Forests & Forestry (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Knives (AREA)
- Details Of Cutting Devices (AREA)
- Finish Polishing, Edge Sharpening, And Grinding By Specific Grinding Devices (AREA)
Description
C \NRPorbl\DCC\AXL\320X829 DOC.2m9r20 10 KNIFE AND CUTTING WHEEL FOR A FOOD PRODUCT SLICING APPARATUS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a knife for a cutting wheel for a food 5 product slicing apparatus, and more specifically, to an improved knife having a replaceable insert member provided along a leading side of the knife and adjacent to a cutting blade of such knife. Many types of food slicing apparatuses have previously been proposed in which food products are transported into a rotating wheel having a plurality knives 10 each with a cutting blade to cut the food products into slices. In the food processing industry, it is important that the food product be cut into slices having a uniform thickness without damaging the food product. Such thickness uniformity facilitates the further processing of the food product providing a maximum amount of usable food product with minimum amount of waste. 15 An embodiment of a previously proposed rotatable cutting wheel described in U.S. Patents 5,992,284 and 6,148,709, of which are incorporated herein by reference, is illustrated in FIG. 1. This previously proposed cutting wheel comprises a hub 10, about which is concentrically arranged a rim 12 being interconnected by a plurality of knives 14. Each of the knives 14 has a knife holder 20 18 securing a cutting blade 16 with a cutting edge facing 1 WO 2005/069920 PCT/US2005/000016 in the direction of rotation of the wheel indicated by arrow 28. The cutting edge 20 of each knife 14 is located adjacent to a second edge 22 of an adjacent knife 14. The second edge 22 extends substantially parallel to the cutting edge 20 of the adjacent knife 14 such that a radial space or gate opening 26 is formed extending between the hub 10 and the rim 12 which has a constant circumferential dimension throughout its radial length. As shown in FIG. 1, each knife 14 defines a back surface having a gauging portion 24. In operation, food products are fed into the plane of the cutting wheel so as to maintain contact with the gauging portion of the knives as they pass through the food product. The dimension of the gate opening will accurately control the thickness of the sliced food product. An embodiment of the knives of the cutting wheel of U.S. Patents 5,992,284 and 6,148,709 is shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. As can be seen, the knife 14 comprises the knife holder 18 on which the cutting blade 16 is mounted. The cutting blade may be permanently attached to the knife holder, or may be removably held by a clamping device. In this embodiment, the cutting blade 16 is held against a bevel surface 34 of the knife holder 18 by clamp 32 which is attached to the knife holder 18 by a plurality of fasteners 36. The clamp 32 engages the fasteners 36 by way of keyhole-shaped slots 38 which enable removal of the clamp 32 such that the heads of the fasteners 36 are aligned with the larger opening portion of the keyhole shaped slots 38. Locating studs 40 2 C \NRPorln\DCC\AXU\20XA29_ .DOC-2U/W/21)0 extend from the knife holder 18 and engage openings 30a and 30b in the cutting blade 16 to locate the cutting blade 16 on the knife holder 18. The previously proposed knife holder 18 has a rear edge 22 formed thereon which extends obliquely with respect to the cutting edge 20 of the cutting blade 16. 5 The knife holder 18 has a hub mounting hole 46 and rim mounting holes 48a and 48b formed therein for attachment to the hub and rim, respectively of a cutting wheel. Moreover, the width of the knife holder 18 at the hub mounting end is less than the width of the knife holder 18 at the rim mounting end. Typically, the food product is transported through the cutting plane of the 10 cutting wheel at a constant speed and the cutting wheel is rotated at a constant speed to produce slices having a generally uniform thickness. It has been found with the aforementioned knives of the known cutting wheel that the leading edge of knife holder undergoes considerable wear or is subjected to chipping or bending when harmful debris damages the knife when 15 slicing food products. As a result, the knife holder often requires replacement which results in downtime of the cutting wheel and thus, the food processing operation is undesirably halted. Replacement of knife holders is expensive due to their specifically dimensioned configuration, and considerable time is required to disassemble the knife from the cutting wheel and the components thereof, and 20 subsequently reassemble the new knife holder with the components onto the cutting wheel. Moreover, adjustment of the knife holders on the cutting wheel is cumbersome and requires precision that may not be feasible when assembled on a cutting wheel with multiple knives. Accordingly, there is a demand and a need for an improved knife holder 25 wherein repair of such knife holders is greatly simplified and adjustment thereof is substantially facilitated. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to the present invention, there is provided a knife comprising: 30 a knife holder having a body with parallel first and second leading edges extending along a leading side thereof and a trailing edge located opposite the first and second leading edges, the body defining a first surface between the first 3 CNRPob\DCC\AXL\I208X29 1 DOC-2/9/W2010 leading edge and the trailing edge, and a second surface opposite the first surface and extending between the second leading edge and the trailing edge, the body further defining a slot formed along the leading side having an opening delimited by the first and second leading edges, and opposed upper and lower walls 5 extending a distance into the body; a cutting blade having a cutting edge and secured to the knife holder so that the cutting edge of the cutting blade extends beyond the leading side of the knife holder; and an insert member mounted in the slot of the knife holder, the insert member 10 having a leading edge protruding from the leading side of the knife holder and generally contiguous therewith; and a clamp attached to the first surface of the knife holder along the first and second leading edges thereof, said cutting blade being secured between the clamp and the first surface of the knife holder. 15 The present invention also provides a rotatable cutting wheel for cutting slices from food products advanced towards the wheel in a feed direction, the cutting wheel having a hub, a rim and including a plurality of knives, each knife assembly comprising: a knife holder having a body defining parallel first and second leading 20 edges extending along a leading side thereof facing a direction of rotation of the wheel and extending generally radially from the hub to the rim, a trailing edge located opposite the leading side, a first surface between said first leading edge and the trailing edge, and a second surface opposite the first surface and extending between the second leading edge and the trailing edge, said body 25 defining a slot formed along the leading side and extending a distance into the body, the slot having an opening defined by the first and second leading edges, and further having opposed upper and lower walls; a cutting blade having a cutting edge and secured to the knife holder so that the cutting edge of the cutting blade extends beyond the leading side of the knife 30 holder; and 4 C:\NRPonbhlDCC\AXL32X829.1. DOC-2KA/W21 10 an insert member mounted in the slot of the knife holder, the insert member having a leading edge protruding from the leading side of the knife holder and being generally contiguous therewith; and a clamp attached to the first surface of the knife holder along the first and 5 second leading edges thereof, said cutting blade being secured between the clamp and the first surface of the knife holder. The present invention further provides a knife holder for a cutting blade for use on a rotary cutting wheel, said knife holder comprising: a body having opposed parallel first and second leading edges extending 10 along a leading side of the body and a trailing edge located opposite the first and second leading edges, the knife holder defining a first surface between the first leading edge and the trailing edge, and a second surface opposite the first surface and extending between the second leading edge and the trailing edge, said body further defining a slot formed along the leading side having an opening delimited 15 by the first and second leading edges, and opposed upper and lower walls extending a distance into the body; wherein the slot progressively increases in thickness into the body and is arranged to clamp onto the insert member at least near the first and second leading edges of the body. 20 In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, there is provided an improved knife for a cutting wheel having a replaceable insert member for substitution as a leading edge of a knife holder adapted for mounting on a cutting wheel and securing a cutting blade. More specifically, in an embodiment of the invention, the knife holder of the improved knife defines mutually parallel first and 25 second leading edges extending along a leading side thereof and a trailing edge located opposite the leading edges, a first surface between the first leading edge and the trailing edge, a second surface opposite the front surface and extending between the second leading edge and trailing edge, and a slot located along the leading surface and extending into at least a portion of the knife holder. A clamp is 30 provided and attached to the front surface of the knife holder and is generally positioned along the leading surface of the knife holder. The cutting blade has a sharpened leading edge retained between the knife holder and the clamp so that 5 C:NRPonbKlDCC\AXV21KR29_ .DOC-28/9/N2010 the leading edge of the cutting blade is disposed on the front surface in front of the leading edges of the knife holder. The insert member is mounted in the slot of the knife holder and has a leading edge protruding from the upper and second leading edges of the knife holder and is generally contiguous therewith. 5 By virtue of this design, the knife addresses the problem of replacement or adjustment of the knife holder due to wear by providing the replaceable insert member. Replacement of the insert member is easily conducted when mandated by wear occurring on an installed insert member, or should a differently shaped wear surface be required to accommodate a different shaped cutting blade. The 10 insert member, while detachable and replaceable, is incorporated in the support structure for the knife in such a manner that the insert member is positively mechanically held from displacement during use of the knife. In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, the knife may be adjusted relative to the cutting wheel by a plurality of tensioning fasteners. Such 15 tensioning fasteners are configured for smooth rotation for adjustment of the knife holder. The tensioning fasteners are constructed to include fine threads at fine angles to achieve the preferable smooth operation discussed above. Such fasteners engage the rim and the hub of a cutting wheel and abut portions of the knife holder, wherein rotation of the tensioning fasteners towards the hub and rim 20 of the cutting wheel will urge deflection of the knife holder and provide adjustment of the knife relative to the cutting wheel. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS For a better understanding of the present invention and to show how the 25 same can be carried out in practice, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. 1 is a front view of a previously proposed type of cutting wheel; FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a previously proposed knife for a cutting wheel; 30 FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the knife illustrated in FIG. 2; FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a knife according to the present invention; 6 C:NRPotbrDCC\AXLW208X29 I.DOC-29M02010 FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the knife illustrated in FIG. 4; FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of another embodiment of a knife holder and insert member according to the invention; FIG. 7 is sectional side view of the knife illustrated in FIG. 4; 5 FIG. 8 is a sectional side view of an embodiment of the slot of the knife holder of the invention; FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a knife according to the present invention; FIG. 10 is an exploded view of the knife illustrated in FIG. 9; 10 FIG. 11 is plan view of a back side of the knife illustrated in FIG. 9; FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the tensioning fasteners on a cutting wheel with a knife holder of the invention; and FIG. 13 is a plan view of the tensioning fasteners in FIG. 12 on a cutting wheel with a knife of the invention. 15 FIG. 14 is a detailed plan view showing an embodiment of a cutting wheel of the invention having notched portions. DETAILED DESCRIPTION In accordance with the invention, an embodiment of the inventive knife 50 20 having an insert member 58 is illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5. The knife 50 comprises a knife holder 54 having a similar construction to the knife holder 18 of FIGS. 2 and 3 with the added features of a slot 60 extending along at least a portion of the leading side thereof. As a result of the slot 60, the knife holder 54 defines an first leading edge 61 and a mutually parallel second leading edge 63. Mounted in the 25 slot 60 is an insert member 58 having a leading edge 59 protruding from leading edges 61, 63 of the knife holder 54 and generally contiguous therewith. The knife includes a cutting blade 52 that is held against a bevel surface 64 of the knife holder 54 by clamp 56. The bevel surface 64 may have a slight curvature which forms a concave profile, as shown in Figs. 4, 5 and 7. The clamp 30 56 may be attached to the knife holder by a plurality of suitable fasteners that engage keyhole-shaped slots 72 of the clamp 56. Suitable locating studs may be provided to extend from the knife holder 54 and engage openings 76 in the cutting 7 C:\NRPonbADCC\AXLV320HX29 DOC-2/0920) 10 blade 52 to position the cutting blade 52 on the knife holder 54. It will be understood, however, that in lieu of the clamp 56, the cutting blade may be secured to the knife holder solely by fasteners or other known clamping elements available to those skilled in the art. 5 The knife holder 54 has a rear edge 66 formed thereon which extends obliquely with respect to the cutting edge 62 of the cutting blade 52. The knife holder 54 has a hub mounting hole 68 and rim mounting holes 70a and 70b formed therein for attachment to a hub and rim, respectively, of a cutting wheel. Moreover, the width of the knife holder 54 at the hub mounting end is less than the 10 width of the knife holder 54 at the rim mounting end. The bevel surface 64 of the knife holder 80 defines holes 80 which correspond to holes 78 of the cutting blade 52 and holes 76 of the clamp 56. The slot 60 generally has a length equal substantially to the length of the opposed leading edges 61, 63 of the knife holder 54. 7a WO 2005/069920 PCT/US2005/000016 The insert member 58 preferably defines opposed first and second beveled wear surfaces 82, 84 joining to form the leading edge 59 thereof. The beveled wear surfaces 82, 84 may conform to the contours of the front and rear surfaces of the knife holder 54 and thus, extend at oblique angles relative to one another. Alternatively, the beveled wear surfaces may be configured so as to serve as a mere extension of the front and rear surfaces of the knife holder. Moreover, the beveled wear surfaces may be shaped so that at least one of the beveled wear surface has a curved profile. In another embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6, the insert member 65 has opposed end portions with squared edges 67 bordering a central portion 69 thereof defined as a leading bevel. The central portion 69 preferably corresponds to a first bevel 73 of knife holder 71 such that the central portion 69 extends at the same angle as bevel 73 relative to a first surface 75 of the knife holder 128. While in a preferred embodiment the end portions generally have a rectangular cross sectional profile, the end portions may have a variety of cross-sectional profiles known to one skilled in the art and the invention is thus not limited to rectangular profiles. The wear surfaces of the insert member provide a replaceable artificial leading edge to the knife holder of the invention. When the cutting edge of the cutting blade requires replacement due to chipping, cracking, or other wear factors, the leading edge of the insert member will likely exhibit the same wear and similarly will require replacement. As opposed to replacing the entire knife holder and adjustment of a 8 C kNRPotb!\DCC\AXO20K29_1 DOC-2N19/20 10 new knife holder on a cutting wheel, the invention permits replacement of only the cutting blade or the insert member, and therefore removes the necessity of replacing or readjusting the entire knife assembly. The insert member 58 may include an identification feature 85 that permits 5 orientation of the insert member relative to the knife holder 54. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the identification feature 85 comprises a locating hole disposed on the end of the insert member 58 located near the rim mounting holes 70a and 70b of the knife holder 54. It will be understood that the identification feature 85 is not limited to a hole and may be defined by any identification means, such as a 10 notch or an engraving, suitable for demarcating a portion of the insert member. Preferably, the insert member has a hardness that will resist cracking, chipping and instead yield and bend upon striking debris. Accordingly, it is desirable that the insert member is constructed from a material that is not too brittle and is sufficiently tough. Moreover, it is desirable that the insert member is 15 corrosion resistant due to its primary application in food processing. While other suitable materials may be used, a preferred construction material is stainless steel, more specifically 410 stainless steel. FIG. 7 is an enlarged, sectional side view of the leading portion of the knife 50 including a slightly exaggerated depiction of the slot 60. The slot 60 includes a 20 rear wall portion 86, and upper and lower wall portions 88, 90. In a preferred embodiment, the upper and lower wall portions define a tapered clearance progressively increasing in thickness from the leading edges 61, 63 to the rear wall portion 86. The thickness of the taper of the clearance in the preferred embodiment begins at approximately 0.0395 inches at the leading edges 61, 63 25 and increases to 0.0475 inches at the rear wall portion 86. Preferably, the depth of the slot is 0.3125 inches and the insert member is sized to protrude approximately 0.125 inches from the leading edges 61, 63 of the knife holder 54. In one embodiment, the corners of the slot defined at the junction of the upper and lower walls and the rear wall of the slot may be wire cut so as to have a rounded profile. 30 The rear portion 92 of the insert member 58 preferably abuts the rear wall portion 86 of the slot 60. It will be understood, however, that portions of the upper and lower wall portions 88, 90 near the rear wall portion 86 of the slot 60 only 9 C:\NRPonbl\DCCAXL1208H29_ .DOC-28M)/2010 minimally or do not clamp the insert member 58. Accordingly, the insert member 58 is more firmly clamped by the walls 88, 90 of the slot 60 near the leading edges 61, 63 of the knife holder 54. Moreover, the rear edges of the insert member 58 do not abut the walls of the slot so as not to chip or bend when inserted into the slot 5 60. In another embodiment of the slot 60, FIG. 8 shows the lower wall portion 90 of the slot 60 having an indent section 94 located near the rear wall portion 86. In this embodiment, the indent section 94 is preferably within a range of 0.0008 to 0.0014 inches in depth relative to the portion of the lower wall portion 90 without 10 the indent section 94. An opposed indent section may also be provided on the upper wall portion 88, either alone or in combination with the indent section 94 of the lower wall portion 90. In each embodiment, the insert member is precisely positioned within the slot and is snugly received by the slot so as to be held from any shifting along its 15 axis or laterally relative to the rear wall portion. Suitable fasteners may be employed to additionally secure the insert member within the slot and tensioning fasteners, which will be discussed below, may exert pressure against the slot and the insert member to maintain the insert member within the slot. Moreover, pressure exerted by the clamp and the protruding portion of the insert member 20 against the cutting blade forms a mechanical seal, thereby preventing any build-up of debris from food processing operations in the slot. The components of the knife of the invention may be configured to accommodate a variety of cutting blades known to those skilled in the art such as a cutting blade having a convexly or concavely curved cutting edge, a cutting edge 25 formed in a series of curves to impart a sinusoidal or "wavy" configuration, or a cutting edge comprised of a series of "V's" along its length. In an embodiment shown in FIGS. 9-11, the knife 96 includes knife holder 98 configured to support cutting blade 100 having a cutting edge with a profile 102 comprising a plurality of "V's" along its length. The knife holder 98 is provided with 30 a slot 104 configured to receive and secure insert member 106. The insert member 106 includes a profile 108 along a segment thereof along its length complementary to the 10 C \NRPonbPDCC\AXLUI28h29 .DOC-28A)9/2010 THIS PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK 11 WO 2005/069920 PCT/US2005/000016 profile 102 of the cutting blade 100. Moreover, as depicted in detail in FIG. 11, the back surface 110 of the knife holder 98 has a profile 112 that accommodates the profile 102 of the cutting blade 100 and the profile 108 of the insert member 106. A clamp, as illustrated above in connection with the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, may be employed to secure the cutting blade 100 to a knife holder. The clamp, in similarity to the insert member 106 and knife holder 98, may be configured with a profile accommodating the shape of the cutting blade 100. i As indicated above, the knife of the invention is adapted for use on a cutting wheel of a known food slicing apparatus. Another feature of the invention is the addition of tensioning fasteners that may be provided to adjust a knife holder on a cutting wheel relative to the rim and hub of a known cutting wheel. As exemplified in FIGS. 12-13, tensioning fasteners 114 may be provided that extend through and engage through holes 122 of a hub 116 and a rim 118 of a cutting wheel. The through holes 122 preferably correspond to a section near the leading side of a knife holder 120 when mounted to the hub 116 and rim 118 so as to more fully take advantage of adjusting the position of the leading side of knife holder 120, and subsequently a cutting edge of a cutting blade when installed thereon. The tensioning fasteners 114 are arranged to abut a rear surface of the knife holder 120, whereupon rotation of the tensioning fasteners 114 in one direction, the tensioning fasteners 114 urge deflection of the knife holder 120 relative to the hub 116 and rim 118 of the cutting 12 WO 2005/069920 PCT/US2005/000016 wheel. Conversely, rotation of the tensioning fasteners 114 in an opposite direction relieves the deflection of the knife holder 120 relative to the hub 116 and rim 118 of the cutting wheel. The tensioning fasteners are constructed to include fine threads at fine angles to achieve the preferable, smooth rotation thereof relative to the rim and hub. Moreover, the tensioning fasteners include tapered end portions to prevent excessive wear of both the fasteners themselves and the knife holder. The tensioning fasteners permit fine adjustments of the knife holder on a cutting wheel and remove the necessity of disassembling the knife from the rim and hub to achieve a desired adjustment thereof. Moreover, the tensioning screws improve the precision of the adjustability of the knife holder relative to the rim and hub of a cutting wheel since the tensioning fasteners are positioned closely to the leading side of the cutter support segments, and substantially near the cutting edge of the cutting blades mounted on the knife holder. In another embodiment best illustrated in FIG. 14, a hub 124 and a rim 126 of a cutting wheel in an embodiment of the invention may be provided with depressions 128, 130, respectively, for each knife to be mounted thereon and located on a side of the hub and rim upon which the knife holder 134 is mounted. As shown, the depressions 128, 130 radially extend along at least a portion of each hub 124 and rim 126, and preferably have a depth of 0.015 inches. The depressions may intersect with through holes 136 used to accommodate tensioning fasteners, such as those described in connection with FIGS. 12 and 13. 13 C :NRPonb\DCC\AXL\I209829 LDOC-2K/A9/2010 Moreover, opposed depressions 128, 130 corresponding to each knife holder are preferably radially aligned with one another. One of the purposes behind the depressions is that they facilitate starch cleaning of the rim, hub and each knife holder of a cutting wheel assembly. 5 It will be understood that the above described embodiments of the invention may assume a variety of different shapes, sizes and configurations without departing from the scope of the present invention. It will be understood that the above described embodiments of the invention are illustrative in nature, and that modifications thereof may occur to those skilled 10 in the art. Accordingly, this invention is not to be regarded as limited to the embodiments or particular uses disclosed herein, but are to be limited only as defined in the appended claims. Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as 15 "comprises" and "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps. The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken 20 as an acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that that prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates. 14
Claims (23)
1. A knife comprising: a knife holder having a body with parallel first and second leading edges 5 extending along a leading side thereof and a trailing edge located opposite the first and second leading edges, the body defining a first surface between the first leading edge and the trailing edge, and a second surface opposite the first surface and extending between the second leading edge and the trailing edge, the body further defining a slot formed along the leading side having an opening delimited 10 by the first and second leading edges, and opposed upper and lower walls extending a distance into the body; a cutting blade having a cutting edge and secured to the knife holder so that the cutting edge of the cutting blade extends beyond the leading side of the knife holder; and 15 an insert member mounted in the slot of the knife holder, the insert member having a leading edge protruding from the leading side of the knife holder and generally contiguous therewith; and a clamp attached to the first surface of the knife holder along the first and second leading edges thereof, said cutting blade being secured between the 20 clamp and the first surface of the knife holder.
2. The knife according to claim 1, wherein the cutting blade is secured to the knife holder with a plurality of fasteners. 25
3. The knife according to claim 1, wherein the slot progressively increases in thickness into the knife holder and is arranged to clamp onto the insert member at least near the first and second leading edges of the knife holder.
4. The knife according to claim 1, wherein said slot is defined along a segment 30 of the leading side of the knife holder and said insert member is configured and sized for accommodation within said slot. 15 CANRPonbhDCCAXL\32l0K2')9 DOC.2X/099/2010
5. The knife according to claim 1, wherein the insert member defines beveled wear surfaces joining to form the leading side thereof.
6. The knife according to claim 1, wherein the insert member defines a 5 beveled wear surface along at least along a central portion of the leading side thereof.
7. The knife according to claim 6, wherein the insert member defines end portions having a generally rectangular cross-sectional profile. 10
8. The knife according to claim 1, wherein the knife holder has a concaved bevel surface extending from the first leading edge to a portion of the first surface.
9. The knife according to claim 1, wherein the insert member includes at least 15 one identification feature located at one end thereof.
10. A rotatable cutting wheel for cutting slices from food products advanced towards the wheel in a feed direction, the cutting wheel having a hub, a rim and including a plurality of knives, each knife assembly comprising: 20 a knife holder having a body defining parallel first and second leading edges extending along a leading side thereof facing a direction of rotation of the wheel and extending generally radially from the hub to the rim, a trailing edge located opposite the leading side, a first surface between said first leading edge and the trailing edge, and a second surface opposite the first surface and 25 extending between the second leading edge and the trailing edge, said body defining a slot formed along the leading side and extending a distance into the body, the slot having an opening defined by the first and second leading edges, and further having opposed upper and lower walls; a cutting blade having a cutting edge and secured to the knife holder so that 30 the cutting edge of the cutting blade extends beyond the leading side of the knife holder; and 16 C:\NRPortbl\DCC\AXL021IMM29 DOC-2/09/20 10 an insert member mounted in the slot of the knife holder, the insert member having a leading edge protruding from the leading side of the knife holder and being generally contiguous therewith; and a clamp attached to the first surface of the knife holder along the first and 5 second leading edges thereof, said cutting blade being secured between the clamp and the first surface of the knife holder.
11. The cutting wheel according to claim 10, wherein the cutting blade is secured to the knife holder with a plurality of fasteners. 10
12. The cutting wheel according to claim 10, wherein the slot progressively increases in thickness into the knife holder and is arranged to clamp onto the insert member at least near the first and second leading edges of the knife holder. 15
13. The cutting wheel according to claim 10, wherein said slot is defined along a segment of the leading side of the knife holder and said insert member is configured and sized for accommodation within said recess.
14. The cutting wheel according to claim 10, wherein the insert member defines 20 beveled wear surfaces joining to form the leading side thereof.
15. The cutting wheel according to claim 10, wherein the insert member defines end portions having a generally rectangular cross-sectional profile. 25
16. The cutting wheel according to claim 10, wherein the knife holder has a concaved bevel surface extending from the first leading edge to a portion of the first surface.
17. The cutting wheel according to claim 10, wherein the insert member 30 includes at least one identification feature located at one end thereof. 17 C:NRPonb\DCC\AXLt. 204829 I DOC-2KN9/2010
18. A knife holder for a cutting blade for use on a rotary cutting wheel, said knife holder comprising: a body having opposed parallel first and second leading edges extending along a leading side of the body and a trailing edge located opposite the first and 5 second leading edges, the knife holder defining a first surface between the first leading edge and the trailing edge, and a second surface opposite the first surface and extending between the second leading edge and the trailing edge, said body further defining a slot formed along the leading side having an opening delimited by the first and second leading edges, and opposed upper and lower walls 10 extending a distance into the body; wherein the slot progressively increases in thickness into the body and is arranged to clamp onto the insert member at least near the first and second leading edges of the body. 15
19. The knife holder according to claim 18, further comprising an insert member mounted in the slot of the knife holder, the insert member having a leading edge protruding from the leading side of the knife holder and generally contiguous therewith.
20 20. The knife holder according to claim 18, including a clamp attached to the first surface of the body along the leading side on the first surface.
21. The knife holder according to claim 20, including a cutting blade having a cutting edge retained between the first surface of the body and the clamp so that 25 the cutting edge of the cutting blade is disposed on the first surface of the body and extending from the leading edge of the body.
22. The knife according to claim 18, wherein said slot is defined along the entire length of the leading side of the body and said insert member is configured and 30 sized for accommodation within said slot. 18 C:\NRPonbl\DCC\AXLUV20MH291 DOC-2/AIs/20
23. A knife, or a rotatable cutting wheel, or a knife holder, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings but excluding Figures 1 and 2. 19
Applications Claiming Priority (5)
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US53581904P | 2004-01-13 | 2004-01-13 | |
US60/535,819 | 2004-01-13 | ||
US11/033,283 | 2005-01-12 | ||
US11/033,283 US7178440B2 (en) | 2004-01-13 | 2005-01-12 | Knife and cutting wheel for a food product slicing apparatus |
PCT/US2005/000016 WO2005069920A2 (en) | 2004-01-13 | 2005-01-13 | Knife and cutting wheel for a food product slicing apparatus |
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AU2005206679B2 true AU2005206679B2 (en) | 2010-11-25 |
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EP (1) | EP1706243B1 (en) |
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ES (1) | ES2704889T3 (en) |
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US8161856B2 (en) * | 2006-04-18 | 2012-04-24 | Urschel Laboratories, Inc. | Apparatus for cutting food product |
US8584564B2 (en) * | 2006-04-21 | 2013-11-19 | Black & Decker Inc. | Table saw |
US9848631B2 (en) * | 2008-11-07 | 2017-12-26 | Kraft Foods Group Brands Llc | Home-style meat product and method of producing same |
US9675089B2 (en) * | 2008-11-07 | 2017-06-13 | Kraft Foods Group Brands Llc | Method and apparatus to mechanically reduce food products into irregular shapes and sizes |
US9629374B2 (en) | 2008-11-07 | 2017-04-25 | Kraft Foods Group Brands Llc | Home-style meat product and method of producing same |
US9517572B2 (en) * | 2011-12-27 | 2016-12-13 | Urschel Laboratories, Inc. | Apparatuses for cutting food products |
US9352479B2 (en) * | 2011-12-31 | 2016-05-31 | J.R. Simplot Company | Lattice cutting machine system |
US9469041B2 (en) | 2012-04-23 | 2016-10-18 | Urschel Laboratories, Inc. | Methods and equipment for cutting food products |
US8714068B2 (en) * | 2012-09-28 | 2014-05-06 | Frito-Lay North America, Inc. | Tailored slicing |
US9193086B2 (en) | 2013-04-02 | 2015-11-24 | Urschel Laboratories, Inc. | Apparatus for cutting food products |
WO2015075179A1 (en) * | 2013-11-21 | 2015-05-28 | Fam | Knife assembly for flat knife blade and cutting system equipped with same |
US20150174777A1 (en) * | 2013-12-10 | 2015-06-25 | Urschel Laboratories, Inc. | Double-edged knife for food cutting apparatus |
US20160067877A1 (en) * | 2014-09-05 | 2016-03-10 | Frito-Lay North America, Inc. | Cutting Head Assembly For Slicing Food |
US10611042B2 (en) * | 2015-04-06 | 2020-04-07 | Urschel Laboratories, Inc. | Cutting wheels and knife assemblies thereof for cutting products |
CA3070867C (en) | 2018-01-05 | 2023-04-25 | Urschel Laboratories, Inc. | Knife assemblies for slicing machines and machines equipped therewith |
EP3527342A1 (en) | 2018-02-20 | 2019-08-21 | Fam | Knife assembly and cutting system equipped with same |
USD969449S1 (en) | 2021-03-29 | 2022-11-15 | Urschel Laboratories, Inc. | Food product |
USD979178S1 (en) | 2021-03-29 | 2023-02-28 | Urschel Laboratories, Inc. | Food product |
USD969570S1 (en) | 2021-03-29 | 2022-11-15 | Urschel Laboratories, Inc. | Knife |
US20220332004A1 (en) * | 2021-04-20 | 2022-10-20 | Urschel Laboratories, Inc. | Knife assemblies of slicing machines, methods of clamping and releasing knives therefrom, and slicing machines equipped therewith |
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2005
- 2005-01-12 US US11/033,283 patent/US7178440B2/en active Active
- 2005-01-13 ES ES05704870T patent/ES2704889T3/en active Active
- 2005-01-13 EP EP05704870.4A patent/EP1706243B1/en active Active
- 2005-01-13 WO PCT/US2005/000016 patent/WO2005069920A2/en active Application Filing
- 2005-01-13 AU AU2005206679A patent/AU2005206679B2/en active Active
- 2005-01-13 CA CA 2550772 patent/CA2550772C/en active Active
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Also Published As
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ES2704889T3 (en) | 2019-03-20 |
CA2550772C (en) | 2012-05-15 |
CA2550772A1 (en) | 2005-08-04 |
EP1706243A4 (en) | 2010-04-21 |
EP1706243B1 (en) | 2018-10-10 |
AU2005206679A1 (en) | 2005-08-04 |
EP1706243A2 (en) | 2006-10-04 |
WO2005069920A2 (en) | 2005-08-04 |
US7178440B2 (en) | 2007-02-20 |
WO2005069920A3 (en) | 2006-06-08 |
US20050150345A1 (en) | 2005-07-14 |
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